LINGAYEN–The word “Ilocos” in the Ilocos Region Athletic Association (IRAA) Meet has been changed to Region 1 in consideration of the provinces of Pangasinan and La Union as part of the group together with Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.

Governor Amado Espino Jr. lobbied for the change when he welcomed guests at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center for the opening of the meet last March 14.

“Puede ba, palitan na natin ang pangalan ng IRAA dahil Pangasinan and Dagupan long thought this to be just an event for the Ilocanos,” Espino said.

The governor’s request comes after the Regional Development Council has started to officially use Ilocos-Pangasinan Region to refer to Region 1 in recognition of Pangasinan’s size, which comprises half the region.

Department of Education Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs Alberto Muyot, who was guest of honor and speaker during the meet’s opening readily acceded to Espino’s request.

At the R1AA Meet, Pangasinan comprises six of the 14 teams with athletes from Pangasinan I, Pangasinan II, Dagupan, Urdandeta, San Carlos and Alaminos cities; La Union, San Fernando City, Ilocos Sur, Vigan and Candon cities; Ilocos Norte, Laoag and Batac cities.

There are more than 5,000 participants in the meet, including some 3,000 officials.

Winners in the R1AA Meet will represent the region in the Palarong Pambansa in Dapitan City later this year.

Back to Homepage

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments